Holidays & Wedding Rings
Independent release, 2015
REVIEW BY: David Bowling
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 08/26/2015
Jamie Lin Wilson – along with Kelley Mickwee, Liz Foster, and Savannah Welch – is a member of the creative and well-respected Trishas. They come together to record and tour and then go their separate ways until next time. The latest period of downtime has allowed Wilson the opportunity to release her first full-length album, in addition to giving birth to her new son.
Wilson’s musical journey now stretches back 15 years and it has been time well spent. She has always had a beautiful voice that you are either born with or not. Her voice now has a smooth and mature quality, and when combined with her ability to write personal or story songs, it gives her music a wonderfully intimate feel.
Wilson wrote all 12 tracks here, so this album is an invite into her world and mind. “Just Like Heartache” begins the disc and shows her growth as a songwriter. The lyrics about longing run counterpoint to the bouncy melody, which shows an ability to create sophisticated music.
There is an old-fashioned country element to her lyrics. “She’ll Take Tonight” and “Nighttime Blues” explore hope amidst life’s realities. “You Left My Chair” is a nostalgic look at time passing and the memories left behind. “Yours And Mine” is an introspective but joyous romp. While many of the songs have sophistication and intricacy to them, their presentation remains simple, which fits the nature and intent of the material.
In many ways, Holidays & Wedding Rings is an evolution from Wilson’s work with the Trishas. Incisive songwriting, intimate vocals, and tight musicianship all add up to an album that could be invited into any home.